Five Major Takeaways From South Carolina’s Stunning Upset of Tennessee

South Carolina delivered one of its most dramatic victories of the season on Saturday, defeating No. 11 Tennessee 27-24 at Williams-Brice Stadium. The Gamecocks completed the upset when kicker Malik Orsan drilled a 48-yard field goal as time expired, capping a comeback that showcased the team’s resilience, defensive determination and growing offensive chemistry.

The victory also provided several important storylines for head coach Shane Beamer and his program, from LaNorris Sellers’ remarkable game-tying touchdown to Dylan Stewart’s defensive heroics and Orsan’s emergence as a dependable kicker.

Here are five major takeaways from South Carolina’s thrilling win over Tennessee.

1. LaNorris Sellers Produces Another Unforgettable Moment

LaNorris Sellers delivered a performance that could become one of the defining moments of his South Carolina career.

Following the game, The State asked Sellers to compare two spectacular touchdowns: his 20-yard, twisting go-ahead score against Clemson in 2024 and his remarkable game-tying touchdown against Tennessee.

On Saturday, the 240-pound senior absorbed contact from Tennessee defenders, fought to remain upright and stretched toward the end zone to complete a crucial four-yard rushing touchdown that tied the game at 24-24 with 1:17 remaining.

Asked which play stood out more, Sellers replied:

“Gotta go with tonight since it’s in the present,” Sellers said.

Although his Clemson touchdown remains a memorable moment in Gamecock history, Saturday’s effort deserves a place among the most impressive plays of his career.

The score captured everything that makes Sellers such a difficult quarterback to defend. Even as one Tennessee defender grabbed his right leg and another delivered a heavy hit, Sellers refused to fall. He used his strength to maintain his balance before extending himself toward the goal line.

The play was a powerful demonstration of Sellers’ toughness, determination and refusal to surrender in a critical moment.

Sometimes, a single moment communicates a player’s character more effectively than statistics ever could. Sellers’ touchdown against Tennessee did precisely that, showing why his physical abilities and competitive spirit make him such a valuable part of South Carolina’s offense.

2. Dylan Stewart Is Making a Major Impact Since Returning From Suspension

Dylan Stewart has responded impressively since returning from suspension, becoming an important difference-maker for South Carolina’s defense.

A few weeks ago, Stewart’s future with the team appeared uncertain after Beamer suspended the star pass rusher following disciplinary incidents during the loss to Alabama. Those incidents included punching an Alabama tight end and refusing to leave the field when asked to be substituted.

The situation created understandable questions about whether Stewart would return and what his role might look like.

However, both the player and his coach deserve credit for how the situation has developed. Stewart needed to demonstrate accountability and maturity, and his performances since returning suggest that he has made meaningful progress.

In his first game back against Florida, Stewart recorded a sack and forced two fumbles. Against Tennessee, he delivered another decisive contribution.

With fewer than 40 seconds remaining and the Volunteers moving toward potential field-goal range, Stewart came off the edge and forced a fumble by quarterback George MacIntyre. South Carolina recovered the ball, setting up Orsan’s game-winning kick.

Beamer praised Stewart’s development and the responsibility he has taken for his earlier mistakes.

“Dylan has taken ownership for some of the stuff from this season and held himself accountable,” Beamer said. “That’s what I’ve been proud of. … It’s not just the plays he’s made the last two weeks out there on the field, but just the maturity he’s shown on the field. He’s getting held. Sometimes he doesn’t get the call, but he doesn’t get frustrated. He’s just steady and consistent, and he’s really grown on and off the field.”

The comments highlight a broader improvement beyond Stewart’s statistical production. His ability to remain composed, avoid unnecessary frustration and continue making plays has strengthened his value to the defense.

His forced fumble against Tennessee may prove to be one of the most important plays of South Carolina’s season.

3. Mazeo Bennett Is Emerging as Sellers’ Most Trusted Receiver, While Nyck Harbor’s Role Raises Questions

One of the more surprising details from Saturday’s game was that eight South Carolina players caught a pass, but Nyck Harbor was not among them.

On its own, a game without a reception would not necessarily signal a major concern. However, Harbor’s lack of involvement comes after his offensive playing time was significantly reduced against Florida, raising questions about his current standing in the receiving rotation.

Meanwhile, Mazeo Bennett has continued to establish himself as a leading target for Sellers.

The junior receiver led the Gamecocks with six receptions for 88 yards and scored South Carolina’s only receiving touchdown. His opening score came on a screen pass that he turned into a 17-yard touchdown.

Bennett’s recent performances suggest that he is becoming the receiver Sellers trusts most, particularly on quick passes designed to get the ball into playmakers’ hands.

Several developments have stood out over South Carolina’s last two games:

• Bennett’s involvement has increased, with more targets and opportunities to make plays.
• Harbor has seen fewer opportunities, continuing a trend that began against Florida.
• The offense has appeared to experience fewer dropped passes.
• Sellers seems increasingly comfortable distributing the ball to his available receivers.

These changes may be connected, although the precise reasons behind Harbor’s reduced involvement cannot be established from the statistics alone.

For South Carolina, Bennett’s growing role is an encouraging development. His ability to create opportunities after the catch gives the offense another reliable option, especially when the Gamecocks need quick completions.

The next question is whether Harbor can regain a more prominent role as the season progresses. South Carolina has several remaining challenges, and additional contributions from its receiving group could prove valuable.

4. Malik Orsan’s Arrival Is Paying Off in a Big Way

South Carolina’s decision to bring in Malik Orsan has delivered a major return, with the sophomore kicker becoming the hero of the Tennessee victory.

Beamer’s search for greater consistency at kicker became evident when the Gamecocks added Orsan from Southeast Missouri State shortly after spring practice. At that point, Orsan had yet to appear in a college game, making the move an important gamble for the coaching staff.

He subsequently won the starting job over returning kicker Max Kelley ahead of Week 3 and has steadily strengthened his position.

Entering the Tennessee game, Orsan had converted 10 of his 12 field-goal attempts for the season, including both attempts from beyond 50 yards. His 48-yard game-winner against the Volunteers provided another major highlight.

The St. Louis native also explained how his experiences coming out of high school helped shape his approach to the opportunity.

“I feel like I was under-recruited out of high school and that gave me a real chip on my shoulder,” Orsan said Saturday. “I’m so appreciative (of my opportunity at South Carolina) because it’s really changed my life.”

His comments reflect the motivation behind his rise, while his performance against Tennessee demonstrated his ability to handle pressure when the stakes were highest.

After making the winning kick, Orsan found himself surrounded by jubilant fans on the field. The celebration was so chaotic that even Beamer struggled to locate his kicker afterward.

“We couldn’t find him” in the postgame madness, Beamer joked.

The moment was a fitting reward for a player whose arrival has helped address an important position for the Gamecocks.

Orsan has gone from an untested college kicker to the player responsible for one of South Carolina’s biggest victories of the season.

5. An Eight-Win Season Is Becoming a Realistic Target

South Carolina’s upset of Tennessee has significantly improved the outlook for the remainder of the season.

Before Saturday, a bowl appearance appeared far less certain after the Gamecocks’ disappointing losses to Mississippi State and Kentucky. Now, with renewed momentum and several opportunities remaining, an eight-win finish looks increasingly attainable.

South Carolina’s final five opponents are Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Arkansas, Georgia and Clemson.

Each matchup presents a different challenge. Oklahoma’s offensive struggles could provide an opportunity for the Gamecocks, while Texas A&M and Arkansas will offer further tests in conference play. Georgia represents a particularly difficult obstacle, given its standing among the nation’s leading programs.

The regular-season finale against Clemson also carries significant importance, with the rivalry providing another opportunity for South Carolina to make a statement.

Based on the outlook presented here, the Gamecocks could have a realistic chance to compete in most of their remaining games, although the outcome of each contest will depend on performance, health and the quality of the opposition.

Eight wins now represents a meaningful benchmark for a program that looked to be in a much more difficult position just a few weeks ago.

That does not mean the remaining schedule will be easy. Georgia remains a formidable opponent, and road games can quickly become complicated. South Carolina must also avoid repeating the mistakes that contributed to its earlier defeats.

Still, Saturday’s performance has changed the conversation surrounding the team. The Gamecocks showed they can compete with a ranked opponent, overcome adversity and finish a close game.

A successful finish could put South Carolina in the upper half of the SEC standings and give the program valuable momentum heading into the offseason.

Final Takeaway: South Carolina Has Reasons to Believe Again

The victory over Tennessee offered more than a memorable finish. It highlighted several developments that could shape South Carolina’s season.

Sellers demonstrated extraordinary toughness, Stewart delivered a decisive defensive play after returning from suspension, Bennett strengthened his case as the team’s leading receiving option, and Orsan proved capable of delivering under immense pressure.

Those performances, combined with Beamer’s emphasis on accountability and resilience, have given the Gamecocks renewed confidence.

The remaining schedule will determine just how far South Carolina can go, but the Tennessee upset has made the possibilities more encouraging.

The Gamecocks have moved from worrying about bowl eligibility to having a credible opportunity to finish with eight wins. If they can sustain Saturday’s level of determination and execution, their season could end on a much stronger note than many expected.

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